High-Risk Attacks Threaten Kursk Nuclear Plant Amid Ukraine Conflict

The head of Rosatom has raised alarm over a high risk of attacks on the Kursk nuclear plant, following last month's Ukrainian incursion. The U.N. nuclear watchdog's recent visit underscored fears of a potential accident amid ongoing violence within 40 kilometers of the facility.

The head of Russia's state nuclear energy company, Rosatom, expressed serious concerns on Tuesday about the heightened risk of attacks on a nuclear plant in the Kursk region. This comes after Ukrainian forces broke through Russian defenses last month, according to the RIA state news agency.

Last week, the chief of the U.N. nuclear watchdog toured the plant and cautioned about the likelihood of a significant accident. The apprehension follows Russian accusations that Ukraine had targeted the facility with drones.

Ukrainian troops breached the Kursk region on August 6, and the ensuing confrontation has brought fighting within approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the nuclear site.

(With inputs from agencies.)